The new Millennium slipped in with some of the trends from the 90’s continuing through, but with more emphasis on poker straight lace wigs, fringes and hair extensions. And at last, brunettes were back! Styling equipment was at its peak with curling tongs and hair straighteners showing record sales, and a flurry of new boutique-influenced hair styling products hitting the shelves.

In the 16th century Queen Elizabeth I was the main female icon of her era, and set the trends for the women who adored her lily-white complexion and red tresses. To steal this look, female followers would adorn red wigs, and some even used highly poisonous white lead to achieve the pasty complexion, adding a glow to the cheek with lead based rouge!

By the 18th century, big hair was definitely the ‘in’ thing, with the emergence of Elton John-style elaborate wigs, mile-high coiffures and decorated curls. White powdered wigs with long ringlets were in high fashion; often tied back and adorned with a colourful array of feathers and bows, with the biggest and best offerings being the talk - and envy - of the society gatherings.

Farah Fawcett and Kate Smith summed up the long, free-falling and natural look that describes the hair in the 1970’s. Soft partings and long fringes were feminine and romantic. However, nothing can beat the 1980’s - the decade that saw more freedom of choice

in styles and trends. The long ‘bob’, precisely cut and curled under - signified the power dresser, whereas the rebel in us would follow the likes of Madonna’s choppier and ever-changing hairstyles. The rules were, well - there were no rules, and everyone copied their own idols of this decade.

The 90’s saw the ‘Rachel’ cut from Friends, and the choppier ‘Meg Ryan’ look emerge. Messed-up hair was very much in but whether long or short it seemed the whole world had gone blonde - again! Multi-toned highlights, all-over blonde even previously brunette models and film stars turned blonde. Golden tresses and pouty glossy lips were definitely in fashion.

Linda Evangelista, Victoria Beckham, Madonna - all recent female icons who have inspired hair trends in recent times. The ‘remy lace front wigs‘ is deemed a recent phenomenon, but women throughout the ages have obsessed over their hair and often took inspiration from role models of the time.

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